MEET THE TEAM
Every great company requires a strong foundation. With the fusion of commercial developers and experienced filmmakers, Kelowna Film Studios is set out to build the Kelowna film industry to new heights.
Stewart Parke
CEO
Stewart Parke is a driven and passionate leader, working in commercial construction for over 20 years, Stewart is President of Parke Pacific Projects. After filming his own documentary with his wife Kristal Parke, Stewart saw some of the issues but also the potential for the film industry to grow in Kelowna. Being determined to make that happen, Stewart put his industry experience to use to build what is only the beginning of Kelowna Film Studios.
Stewart has been a board member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce since March 2021 and is looking to help grow the economy of Kelowna and surrounding area.
Dave Currie
CAO
Building relationships is one of Dave’s strongest attributes, as he brings with him a sense of optimism and enthusiasm that is apparent when dealing with clients. Dave understands that building strong relationships is one of the pillars successful companies require when navigating the daily challenges of the film industry. “I am excited to bridge the film industry gap between Vancouver and Calgary, at the same time steering Kelowna’s development and expansion into an exciting new market that promises to benefit local organizations, companies and individuals.
Dave is a project manager, a veteran in commercial construction, oversees multi-million dollar projects with Parke Pacific Projects and has been known for his fastidiousness and attention to detail.
James Alton
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
James’ mission for Kelowna Film Studios began in 2017, when he moved to Kelowna and saw a lack of studio space. While President of the Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmakers (2019-2021), he saw the need for filmmakers to have a home. Filmmakers require space to produce their commercials and movies and KFS became the space to make that happen.
Film director and commercial video producer James Alton is the man behind the lens and the heart of James Alton Films. James is first and foremost passionate about discovering the stories within people and making a way for these stories to be told. James is highly skilled as a film maker, but he’s also a natural at connecting with people. James is encouraging and authentic, and his presence draws people out so they can express what’s inside them while in front of the camera.
James Alton on IMDB
James Alton on LinkedIn
James Alton Films on Instagram
James Alton Films on Youtube
Ethann Hartwell
GENERAL MANAGER
Ethann’s career spans over two decades in the Canadian film industry. He has worked on over 90 Hollywood Motion Pictures and television series specializing in on-set video and computer graphic playback as both a Key Operator and a Motion Picture Video Coordinator and is a film union member of IATSE 669 for over 22 years. His understanding of production shooting and in supervising visual effects in studio spaces provides a depth of knowledge and understanding valuable in the assistance to any successful production.
Having recently relocated from Vancouver BC, Ethann has a passion for flying drones and enjoys spending time with his family which includes a 9-month-old daughter. He owns and operates Compass Drone Pilots which services BC and the surrounding areas.
READY TO BOOK?
We’re getting ready to launch our booking platform but until we do, please reach out to Ethann by phone or email: